Impress holiday guests with old-fashioned baked Alaska. This ice cream cake covered with light-as-air meringue originated at Delmonico's restaurant in New York City to commemorate the United States' purchase of Alaska in 1867.

Cream-filled pastry puffs are dipped in caramel, stacked, and wrapped in a spun-sugar web for this unforgettable French dessert. Don't worry about making it perfect -- a homemade look is part of its charm.